THE founder of a major Chester travel firm is stepping back from the day-to-day running of the business.

Drew Foster started ITC 35 years ago, specialising in offering luxury holidays.

From small beginnings, the firm now employs around 150 people and has an annual turnover of more than £50m.

Mr Foster, 65, will remain as chairman but his place as chief executive will be taken by former chief operating officer, Jennifer Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson was born in Leeds in 1975 and gained a degree in law and marketing from Lancaster University.

She then went on to work in marketing in Manchester before joining ITC. She told LDP Business: “I have a very strong team around me.

“They all have a great deal of ability and skill to help me drive the company forward.

“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would get such a wonderful opportunity. ITC has the reputation of leading the field in the luxury tour market.” ITC began by sending clients to the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, and was then known as Caribbean Connection.

As clients began to want to travel to more exotic parts of the world, it rebranded as International Travel Connection, specialising in niche up-market holidays and sporting trips.

Before founding the business, Mr Foster enjoyed a colourful career, with a number of jobs which included teenage bookie, barman, nanny, motorcycle racing programme seller, disco manager and an executive with Marks & Spencer.